Christian landmark in tiny English village faces demolition under new plans

A parish church is set to see its landmark removed under new plans.

Fenland District Council has granted permission for St Mark's Church to have its leaning spire - which has earned it the nickname the "Pisa of the Fens" - torn down.

St Mark's in Friday Bridge, near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, will have the upper portion of its tilting spire taken down due to significant structural concerns.

A planning application says: "It is often referred to locally as our Pisa in the Fens, given the noticeable inclination of the tower with its spire."

Rev Richard Hines submitted the application on behalf of the Grade II-listed building.

Work now has to starty within three years under the conditions of the approval.

The spire's tilt developed gradually as the earth beneath the 160-year-old church shifted over time.

And thanks to its thin brickwork, the structure has caused water drainage problems and leaks throughout the building.

Historic England placed the Victorian church on its Heritage at Risk register last year following concerns about these issues.

Though planning documents indicate the spire does not pose an immediate collapse risk.

There are hopes to rebuild the local landmark once funding becomes available - though a cost estimate is still yet to be made for a replacement.

The application acknowledged the work "will inevitably reduce the prominence of the church in the landscape - albeit possibly temporarily".

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A council conservation officer admitted: "There is no getting around the fact that the proposed work will ultimately result in the detraction of the significance of the building as the principal and dominant structure within its generally open and rural setting.

"Whilst I have considerable concerns and sadness about the impacts and the loss of this important landmark feature, the spire is ultimately structurally unsound."

On social media, locals questioned whether the church should be made to repair it given its listed status.

But one laid bare just how expensive that process would really be.

"The population in that parish is 1,500 people in 651 households," they said.

"They share a vicar, who works just over half time, with four other parishes. There are six members on their electoral roll, and they meet monthly.

"Assuming the spire would cost £350,000 plus VAT to fix entirely, that works out at a mere £70,000 per church member..."

The Victorian Society has endorsed removing the spire, but says it should be rebuilt one day.

Connor McNeill, a senior conservation adviser with the society, said: "It is essential if reducing the spire is approved that proposals for reconstruction are brought forward in a timely manner.

"A full record of the tower should also be made to enable proper reconstruction in the future."

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